So, you’ve selected South East Asia, and also you’ve narrowed it all the way down to Cambodia and Thailand. However now you’re torn.
Each nations boast tropical year-round climate, scrumptious cuisines and cities that’ll hold you coming again for extra. Ideally, you’d mix each nations into one journey, but when your annual go away and price range solely enable one nation, what’s going to or not it’s? We’ve damaged down the highest concerns to assist make the choice a tad simpler.
Delicacies
Firstly, and maybe most significantly, let’s speak about meals. There’s a motive you’ll discover Thai eating places worldwide – who can resist a peanutty pad Thai or a zesty tom yum? However Thai meals is far more than the classics you already know and love. Every area has totally different flavours and cooking types, from khao niaow (sticky rice) and som tum (papaya salad) within the north to pla thot khamin (deep-friend turmeric fish) and khao yam (rainbow rice salad) within the south.
However what makes Thai delicacies sizzle is its road meals scene. Whether or not you’re exploring Bangkok’s Chinatown or strolling the beachfront in Phuket, you’ll see woks of noodles being tossed within the air or distributors grilling prawns or meat skewers. Sitting on a tiny stool at a road meals market is a spotlight for a lot of travellers in Thailand.
Learn extra: Foodie? Right here’s why it’s best to journey to Thailand
Cambodian delicacies, alternatively, isn’t as well-known, which is an enormous disgrace as a result of it’s scrumptious! In contrast to its South East Asian neighbours, the spiciness of Cambodian meals is predominantly from pepper, not chilli, from Kampot in southern Cambodia. The truth is, prime cooks contemplate Kampot pepper to be the world’s best.
Conventional Khmer delicacies revolves round rice, fish, prahok (a fermented fish paste) and kroeung (a aromatic curry paste). You’ll additionally see culinary influences from France, China, and India on the menu. In style dishes embody fish amok (coconut fish curry in banana leaf), samlor machu (candy and bitter soup), nom banh chok (Khmer noodles) and pleah sach ko (beef ceviche).
Winner: Thailand (for its lemongrass-y, galangal-y goodness)
Uncover Cambodian meals on a Actual Meals Journey
Cities
Thailand’s cities are greater and bolder than Cambodia’s (*cough* The Hangover Half II *cough*). OK, you may not wish to pull all-nighters like Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug, however the film conveys Bangkok’s power. There are infinite issues to do from zipping by means of the maze-like streets of Rattanakosin (Previous Metropolis) in a tuk-tuk, watching a Muay Thai present or visiting a floating market to see locals whipping up all kinds of dishes from a picket canoe.
Thailand’s second-largest metropolis, Chiang Mai, has a way more relaxed vibe. The town is house to over 300 Buddhist temples that glisten within the solar, night time bazaars and a stunning Previous City surrounded by a moat. It’s additionally the gateway to the plush Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park.
Learn extra: What to do, eat and drink in Bangkok
Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, is likely to be smaller than Bangkok, but it surely nonetheless hums with power. The markets promote something and every thing from meals to furnishings, there’s a mixture of previous and fashionable structure and the waterfront has round the clock exercise, from locals doing morning aerobics courses to households taking part in video games at sundown. There are fewer bars than in Bangkok, however pockets do exist – together with the Bassac Quarter which comes alive after darkish.
Should you’re searching for slightly extra peace and quiet, Cambodia additionally has loads of smaller cities and cities to discover. Go to Kampot to study why its pepper is so tasty, head to the coastal city of Kep to feast on crab (seasoned with mentioned peppercorns), or go north to Siem Reap for temple ruins, laidback cafes and floating villages.
It’s necessary to keep in mind that Cambodia was a really totally different place a number of many years in the past. The atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979 triggered devastation past something phrases can convey. The aftermath crippled the nation’s improvement, which is why travelling to Cambodia – and studying about its tragic previous and the tales of its folks – is so necessary.
Learn extra: What it’s actually like visiting Cambodia’s Killing Fields and S21
Winner: Thailand
Temples
Regardless of the place you go in South East Asia, prepare for temples galore. Buddhism prevails in Thailand and Cambodia, and rituals and worship play a major position in day by day life. A number of the most iconic temples to go to in Thailand embody Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, a powerful mountaintop pagoda distinguished by 5 huge white Buddha statues; the fairytale-like Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) in Chiang Rai, and Bangkok’s Wat Pho that includes a 46-metre-long reclining Buddha statue.
One phrase: Angkor. Spanning 400 acres, this historic web site is among the world’s largest archaeological websites, attracting over 2 million folks yearly. Angkor was constructed within the early twelfth century and was as soon as a completely functioning metropolis that historians consider had a inhabitants of as much as a million. From the traditional passageways of Angkor Wat to the smiling statues of the Bayon Temple and the enormous tree roots which have taken over Ta Prohm (AKA, ‘Tomb Raider temple’), exploring these ruins is like exploring one other world.
Winner: Cambodia
Seashores
If being horizontal on white sand with a coconut (or cocktail) in hand is your concept of time, you’ll be happy to know you may get your seaside fill in each nations. However with over 2500 kilometres of shoreline and 1400 islands – a few of which have been voted the world’s finest – Thailand has the higher hand. Iconic spots embody Ko Hong with its turquoise lagoons and the karst-studded Railay Seaside. And we are able to’t neglect about Maya Bay, which earned star standing within the cult basic, The Seaside (2000) starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
It’s arduous to compete with Thailand, however Cambodia could also be a more sensible choice in case you’re not eager on touristy bars. One of the best islands and seashores are off the south coast, together with Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Ta Kiev. Cambodia’s seashores function easy lodging (in addition to just a few fancier resorts) and smaller crowds cramping your type.
Winner: Thailand (however Cambodia offers it a run for its cash)
Climate
Thailand and Cambodia are each year-round locations. They’ve a tropical local weather with a definite moist and dry season. Common temperatures linger between a balmy 18 to 38°C in Thailand and 22 to 35°C in Cambodia. The moist season normally arrives from Could to September/October, and whilst you can count on rain every single day, it’s typically within the type of heavy, albeit temporary, afternoon downpours and shouldn’t disrupt your journey. Plan your journey between November and March for dry climate.
Winner: Draw
The decision
Thailand and Cambodia share many similarities. They each boast unimaginable seashores, lip-smacking meals and a robust tradition which locals are eager to share with you. Thailand is extra developed and has extra vacationer infrastructure, however this is likely to be another excuse to go to Cambodia relying on what you’re searching for.
Try Intrepid’s small group adventures in Thailand and Cambodia
